CPD - Challenging DNA Evidence
Presented by Helen Roebuck Principal Scientist
- Monday 27 February 2023
- 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- 1-1.5 CPD points in Substantive Law (SL)
- Attendance in person (maximum 35) or by Zoom
- REINT Training Room, 2/6 Lindsay Street, Darwin City NT 0800
In this presentation you will hear about why the days of having DNA evidence dismissed from court, simply on the grounds of possible contamination are long gone. Over the past decade, the way in which forensic biology and DNA evidence is handled has changed significantly, leading to the interpretation of DNA evidence becoming significantly more complex. Designed to assist both prosecuting and defending lawyers, you will gain an understanding of the limitations of DNA evidence, providing real case examples that will provide an insight into the types of questions you should be asking, when DNA evidence is relied upon in your matter.
Helen Roebuck started her career as a Forensic Scientist in 2001 at the Forensic Science Service in the United Kingdom. She is an expert in body fluid detection and confirmation, bloodstain pattern analysis, and DNA analysis and interpretation. Helen has spent a large portion of her career employed by government agencies in both the United Kingdom and Australia, undertaking impartial reviews of forensic biology evidence. In addition, she is an industry fellow within the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney, where she is also currently undertaking her PhD in the field of DNA transfer at crime scenes.